Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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173. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether the current ownership model of Rosslare Europort has hindered investment in the port; whether he agrees that it should be taken into public ownership by the Government.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56306/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports, as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Acts but is instead operated on commercial basis as a division of Iarnród éireann. Technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th-century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród éireann on the Irish side, and Stena line on the Welsh (Fishguard) side.

The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review, commissioned by the Department of Transport and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants. Their report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port's complex legal structure. Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.

I am satisfied that Rosslare Europort, as a division of Iarnród éireann, is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the Port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities. The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities, and has a strategic plan to grow the port’s business. This includes investment plans for €42 million over the period 2021-2026 in customer facilities, port infrastructure, freight facilities, port assets, new technology and linking the new entrance of the port with the proposed new port access road.

I do not accept that the ownership structure is impeding investment in Rosslare Europort and, as outlined above, a significant investment plan is underway.